Getting ready for freshers week? Here’s our guide to making it through in one piece ( and how to make friends and nail the fancy dress along the way). From working out how many VK’s you can afford this week to figuring out how to use a washing machine for the first time, freshers week can be daunting so to help you along we’ve completed every issue we faced as first years.
1.Work out a budget
ultimately we know this is going to go out the window but why not at least to try and start on the right foot (so maybe you don’t have to go crawling to your parents for more money until at least Christmas). Unfortunately uni actually has costs which aren’t vodka or McDonald’s or entry fees, so make sure you set enough budget aside for textbooks and your bus pass. It might take a little while for your maintenance loan to come through so make sure you leave a little extra aside so you don’t miss out on things further down the line.
2. Be yourself
Trying to reinvent yourself when you go to uni is most likely going too come back and bite you. This is not to say you can’t delete those embarrassing selfies from high school that you maybe don’t want your new flatmates seeing but the best thing to do is be authentic and that way you’re most likely to find friends for life, who love you exactly the way you are.
3. Sign up to clubs
Going to the freshers’ fair might seem intimidating or cringey but here’s where you find the most like-minded people. When you join a club or society you join a group of people who were once in your shoes and have a common interest, this can be anything from football to niche clubs/societies like people who love cat puzzles. There really is something for everyone and this is one of the easiest ways to meet new people that you will most likely get on with and they’ll encourage you to come out of your shell.
4. Do your admin early on (AND GO TO CLASS)
After no sleep and copious amounts of WKD, you’ll be in no mood to do any admin you might need to get done. If you get all the boring stuff out the way you can enjoy your first week a little more. Council tax exemption, Tv license, registering to a doctor, and all the other mundane adult things that need your attention will make your life so much easier if you do them ASAP. Another important point to make is that despite those hangovers, make sure you go to your classes in your first week. Make yourself known to the teacher and others in your lectures as they’ll help you survive the three years, that being said there’s always one who turns up in the last week before exams that no one has ever seen before, including the lecturer, don’t let that be you.
5. Don’t get too drunk or go to every single event
You don’t want to throw up all over yourself in front of people you can’t avoid for the next three years, nor do you want too drunk and get involved romantically (we worded that nicely) with someone you have to share accommodation with. Basically, have fun but stay smart. You also might think you’ll get FOMO if you miss out on a night of partying but you’ve got 3 full years to let your hair down, don’t overdo it in one week. In reality, you’ll get to know your flatmates better sharing treats and gossiping about the night before (your wallet and liver will also thank you).
6. Combating homesickness (and actual sickness)
Leaving home for the first time can be tough but don’t worry it gets easier. Everyone is in the same boat and is more than likely missing home too, your parents might even be missing you as well (once they’ve finished moving the dog into what used to be your bedroom). Change is always going to be tough but if you have a good support system around you it will get better. A tip for making friends with your flatmates is to prop the door open for a while after you move in, you’ll be much more approachable and before you know it you’ve got a shoulder to cry on when you miss the dog ( no one warns you about this part). It will also be much easier if you can dodge the fresher flu. Lots of Vitamin C can help you avoid getting sick which would inevitably make the homesickness ten times worse.
7. Use that student discount
It’s amazing what you can get student discount on and trust me you’ll miss it when it’s gone. Get your hands on some real bargains and even some freebies! It’s always worth asking shops or restaurants if they have student discounts and make sure you sign upto websites such as UNIdays and Studentbeans. At the end of the day who doesn’t love saving money?
Make sure you utilise that student discount on our NEW IN and get an extra 20% off everything onsite.
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